Personality Development-Erikson

Trust v Mistrust

The stage that occurs from birth to about 18 months where children develop a sense that the world is safe or unsafe and see if their needs are being met.

Trust

Responsive caregiving, consistency, and warmth will lead to this in stage one.

Mistrust

Inconsistent, neglectful, or rejecting care will lead to this in stage one.

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt

The stage from 1.5 to 3 years where children are gaining control over body and choices.

Autonomy

If caregivers encourage independence and allow safe exploration this will result in stage 2

Shame and doubt

If caregivers overcontrol, shame, or punish mistakes this will result in stage 2

Initiative v Guilt

The stage which occurs from 3-5 years and is defined by learning to plan and assert power through play and social interaction.

Initiative

If caregivers support imagination, play, and decision-making then this will result in stage 3.

Guilt

If caregivers criticize or discourage curiosity, then this will occur in stage 3.

Industry v Inferiority

The stage from age six to eleven where children learn mastery of skills and a sense of competence. 

Industry

If children’s efforts are encouraged and recognized this will result in stage 4

Inferiority

If efforts are ignored, dismissed, or compared harshly then this will occur in stage 4.

Identity vs Role Confusion

The stage from 12-18 when people are forming a coherent sense of self.

Identity

If adolescents are supported in exploring values, goals, and roles then this will occur in stage 5.

Role Confusion

If adolescents are pressured to conform or lack guidance, then this will occur in stage 5.

Intimacy vs Isolation

This stage occurs in young adulthood and is where people learn to balance closeness and independence.

Intimacy

If individuals with a stable sense of self form mutual, trusting relationships then this will occur in stage 6

Isolation

If they fear vulnerability or rejection in stage6 young adults will reach this in stage 6.

Generativity v Stagnation

This occurs in middle adulthood and is where people create or nurture things that outlast them.

Generativity

If adults contribute to others through work, caregiving, or creativity this occurs in stage 7.

Stagnation

If adults feel disconnected or unproductive then this occurs in stage 7 

Integrity vs Despair

The final stage in late adulthood where people look back on life with acceptance or regret.

Integrity

If older adults reflect with acceptance and gratitude for life’s complexity, then they have reached this in stage 8.

Despair

If older adults focus on regrets or missed opportunities, then this will occur in stage 8.